The Real Trick to Saving Money While Shopping at Costco

Strategies to Maximize Savings at Costco

Costco is known for offering bulk items at great prices, but avoiding food waste is key to actually saving money. Make sure not a drop of what you buy goes to waste by planning meals ahead of time, checking expiration dates, returning unneeded food items, storing perishables in the freezer, and splitting bulk purchases with neighbors.

1. Plan meals ahead of time

• Map out your meals for the week to use up perishable items
• Get creative with leftovers to avoid food waste

2. Look at expiration dates

• Check best-by dates for freshness
• Avoid staleness by choosing fresher stock

3. Return unneeded food items

• Costco allows returns, even on perishable items
• Opt to return unopened items if plans change

4. Look at freezing part of your haul

• Freeze perishables to enjoy savings without waste
• Store excess items for future use

5. Split bulk items with neighbors

• Share bulk purchases to reduce waste and save money
• Collaborate with neighbors to split large quantities